Fry Bread and Fried Pork - Paskawaalhaaki', Shokha' Nipi' Awaalhahli'

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Fry bread is a delicious flour-based side dish. Dough is rolled into balls, then flattened out to about the size of an open hand and dropped into hot oil. Fry bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is used as the base of the very popular Indian Taco, which can be experienced in the Aaimpa' Café at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

Pigs were not native to the homelands but were introduced to Chickasaws by conquistador Hernando de Soto. After de Soto wore out his welcome, Chickasaws raided his camp under the cover of darkness and routed his troops. During the melee many pigs were captured by Chickasaw warriors and many simply escaped into the woods. Pork became a favorite dish.

Fry Bread Recipe

2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/2 cup warm water or milk

Sift first three ingredients together and stir in beaten egg. Add water or milk to make soft dough. Round up on lightly floured cloth or bread board. Knead lightly. Roll or pat out 1/2 inch thick. Cut into strips about 2 x 3 inches and slit center. Drop into deep fat. Brown on both sides. Serve hot. Good with pinto beans, stew or syrup.